Definition ∞ The fundamental design and operational structure of a blockchain network. This encompasses the core protocol, consensus mechanism, and foundational rules that govern transaction validation and block creation. It represents the base layer upon which other functionalities and applications are built.
Context ∞ Layer-1 architecture is frequently debated in the context of scalability, security, and decentralization. News reports often focus on upgrades to existing Layer-1 protocols (like Bitcoin or Ethereum) or the emergence of new ones aiming to offer improved performance characteristics. Understanding these architectural choices is key to evaluating a network’s long-term potential.